You’re sipping coffee on a lazy Sunday morning, sorting through your email, when you see it. “Your Bank of America statement is ready.” You click, expecting the usual suspects – gas, groceries, maybe an Uber Eats indulgence.
But then… it jumps out at you. A $489 charge for ‘Deluxe Aquarium Supplies’ in Florida. Which is odd, since you live in Iowa, with two kids, two dogs, and zero fish.
Cue panic. Your first thought: What is this charge on my credit card? Your second thought: identity fraud.
Whether it’s outright identity theft or just some kind of billing error, you’ll be wondering what to do about these unauthorized charges. Can I dispute charges on my credit card? How far back can you dispute credit card charges? Is there a time limit?
Between the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA), and a little professional backup from consumer protection lawyers who live for this stuff, you can dispute credit card charges the right way and protect your credit score.
Keep reading to learn more, or take a deeper dive into Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) Violations on our practice page.
Quick Links
Can I Dispute Credit Card Charges?
Absolutely, yes, though it depends on what kind of charge and how long it’s been.
If it’s fraud – like someone buying something with your Chase credit card in another state, you can and should dispute credit card charges immediately.
The FCBA gives you the legal right to dispute billing errors, unauthorized charges, or goods and services you paid for but never received.
Please keep in mind that not every surprise charge qualifies as fraud. Sometimes what looks like an unauthorized charge turns out to be a forgotten subscription, a family member’s purchase, or even a delayed transaction finally hitting your account.
This is why it’s important to review carefully before you dispute. The good news? Even if the charge isn’t outright fraud, you still have rights. The FCBA protects you if the merchant didn’t deliver what they promised, billed you incorrectly, or charged you twice.
So yes, you can dispute charges on your credit card but knowing when, how, and under what law makes all the difference.
And when credit card companies ignore your disputes, don’t clear errors, or report missed payments over unauthorized charges, a consumer protection lawyer can make sure your dispute for credit card charge gets taken seriously.
If you’re dealing with ATM or debit card fraud, or unauthorized transactions involving peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, and others, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) protects you from unauthorized transactions.
How Do I Dispute Credit Card Charges?
Here’s the playbook:
- Check your statement carefully. Don’t ignore that “TV Plus+ Max Now Ultra” charge just because it’s under $10. Fraudsters love sneaky micro-charges.
- Call your credit card company immediately. Chase, Bank of America, Discover – every major credit card company has a fraud department ready to freeze your card and stop the bleeding.
- Put it in writing. The FCBA requires you to send a written dispute to your card issuer within 60 days of the statement date on which the error is first reported. So, don’t just rely on a phone call.
- Keep records. Save every email, text, and alert. You’ll need them if your case escalates.
Bookmark this external guide from the CFPB: How do I dispute a charge on my credit card bill?. It’s the government’s plain-English breakdown of your rights.
Banks make the dispute process look straightforward, but – they sometimes reject valid claims or “lose” paperwork. That’s why many people bring in a lawyer.
An attorney can make sure you dispute credit card charges in a way that is taken seriously and keep the credit card companies accountable under the FCBA.
How Long Do I Have to Dispute Credit Card Charges?
Unfortunately, time is not on your side.
The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) gives you 60 days from the statement date to send your dispute in writing. Miss that window, and your bank can shrug and say, “Sorry, nothing we can do.” That’s the harsh reality: deadlines matter when you dispute credit card charges.
Why the 60-Day Rule Exists
The law isn’t designed to punish you – it’s meant to encourage quick reporting so banks and merchants can investigate while records are fresh. If you wait too long, evidence gets harder to track down, and merchants can argue the charge is legitimate. So the 60-day rule keeps things moving.
But What If You Don’t Catch It in Time?
Here’s where it gets messy: sometimes people don’t notice fraud right away. Maybe you don’t check your credit card statements every month, or don’t check your credit reports often. Maybe the charge looks like something you might have actually purchased. Or maybe you’ve got three kids and no time to scrutinize every Starbucks run. Life happens.
While early detection is best, the FCBA still gives you ways to fight back. Knowing your rights is key – consider reaching out to Consumer Justice Law Firm for guidance. We offer FREE consultations and will happily help you sort out your legal options.
How Far Back Can You Dispute Credit Card Charges?
This is the big question. Technically, the FCBA sets a 60-day limit.
But in practice, if you can prove a pattern of ongoing fraud, billing errors, or identity theft, a lawyer may still help you push back.
This is especially true when unauthorized charges are showing up repeatedly, or when they’ve started to damage your credit score. At that point, disputing with the credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax becomes just as important as fighting the bank.
Why Legal Help Matters with Late Disputes
Banks don’t always want to reopen old claims. That’s why legal guidance is critical. An attorney familiar with the FCBA can argue that your case isn’t a “late dispute” but part of a continuing fraud issue. This could make the difference that helps save your credit score and clear your record.
Bottom line: Yes, the clock matters. But even if you’ve missed the initial disputing window, it’s still worth talking to someone who can fight for you.
What Charges Can I Dispute on a Credit Card?
Not every annoying charge is dispute-worthy. You can’t dispute your Netflix subscription just because you’ve decided to “read more books this year.” But here’s what you can dispute:
- Unauthorized charges (fraud or outright identity theft)
- Billing errors (double charges, wrong amounts, mystery subscriptions)
- Goods or services you didn’t receive or weren’t as promised (like ordering a treadmill and getting a jump rope)
- Charges where you canceled but still got billed
The FCBA protects you from having to pay for things you didn’t authorize or didn’t get.
Example: You bought a blender online. It arrives broken. The company ghosts you. You can file to dispute credit card charges with Chase, Bank of America, or Discover, and they have to investigate.
Who Can Help Me Dispute Credit Card Charges?
Your first line of defense is your credit card company – Chase, Bank of America, Discover, whichever card you use.
But banks aren’t always on your side. They’re businesses, and sometimes their idea of “customer service” is sending you a dispute denial letter that leaves you more confused than before.
This is when a lawyer steps in. Attorneys who know the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) can:
- Draft airtight dispute letters that banks can’t ignore
- Push back when card issuers stall or reject claims unfairly
- Guide you through fixing errors on your credit reports with TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax
- Protect your credit score when identity theft spirals into missed payments or collections
A lawyer at Consumer Justice Law Firm can also step in if the issue expands into other areas, like stolen debit transactions where the EFTA applies, debt collections based on false charges, or errors in your credit reports due to these mistakes.
Unlike credit card companies, who answer to shareholders, FCBA lawyers answer to you. Think of us as your personal advocate, making sure every disputed credit card charge gets the attention it deserves and that your rights are enforced under consumer protection laws.
Does Disputing Hurt My Credit Score?
A common fear is that if you dispute credit card charges, it will tank your credit score.
In reality, disputing doesn’t directly hurt your credit score. What can hurt is leaving fraudulent or unauthorized charges unresolved. If those charges turn into missed payments or collections, your score can take a beating.
Disputing charges is about protecting your credit, not harming it. In fact, if you dispute credit card charges and then work with the credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax- to correct related credit report errors, it often improves your credit score in the long run.
What Happens If My Dispute Is Denied?
Credit card companies sometimes say no, even when you’re right. It’s frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road. You can escalate your dispute by:
- Re-submitting with more evidence
- Filing a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general
- Bringing in a consumer protection lawyer to pursue legal action under the FCBA
This is where persistence pays off. When you dispute credit card charges and it’s denied, the dispute isn’t a dead end. It’s just a detour that requires stronger backup.
Consumer Justice Law Firm has the experience to push credit card companies harder, gather the evidence they can’t ignore, and take legal steps when financial institutions refuse to play fair.
We know the tactics banks use to drag their feet, from hiding behind fine print to flat-out dismissing valid claims. Our team doesn’t let them get away with it. Instead, we use every tool available under the FCBA, EFTA, and consumer protection laws to hold them accountable.
By working with us, you don’t just dispute credit card charges, you send a message that your rights matter and you won’t be brushed aside.
With Consumer Justice Law Firm in your corner, a denied claim doesn’t mean defeat – it means the fight is just beginning, and we’re ready to win it with you.
GET JUSTICE! Fight for fixes & money!
Scammers, shady merchants, and lazy credit card companies all hope you’ll just give up. Don’t.
Every unauthorized charge, every fraud attempt, every mystery line on your bill is a fight you can win. The FCBA exists for a reason. And a lawyer makes sure that when you dispute credit card charges, it isn’t just another ignored complaint.
If you’re staring at your statement wondering, “What is this charge on my credit card?” don’t panic – assert your rights instead!
The longer you wait, the harder it gets to fix your credit card statements and credit reports, protect your credit score, and recover what’s yours.
Call Consumer Justice Law Firm today and let us take the weight off your shoulders. Our team knows how to cut through the red tape and restore your peace of mind.
FREE Consultations! We only get paid when we win and the companies we sue pay our legal bills. No Justice, No Fee.™